Peru Police Chief Arriola Steps Down, López Mendoza Named Successor

Peru's National Police Commander General Óscar Arriola announced Sunday he will step down in the coming days, handing the post to Lieutenant General Fredy López Mendoza. The announcement was made at Government Palace alongside Prime Minister Luis Galarreta and Interior Minister César Astudillo.

Arriola, who assumed command on September 30, 2023, said he leaves with a "clean conscience" and thanked presidents Keiko Fujimori, Dina Boluarte, José Jerí, and José María Balcázar for the opportunity. Prime Minister Galarreta confirmed the appointment of López Mendoza, currently chief of the General Staff.

“Me voy con la conciencia absolutamente limpia y la frente muy en alto”

The change follows mounting criticism over rising crime, including a recent quadruple murder and kidnapping of a mining businessman in Trujillo. Congressman Harvey Colchado had publicly suggested López Mendoza as a replacement for Arriola.

Galarreta pledged new anti-crime strategies in the coming weeks, urging public confidence. He said the government will strengthen institutions while fighting criminal organizations that seek to undermine trust in the rule of law.

López Mendoza, a 1990 police academy graduate, has served over three decades in operational, investigative, and international roles. His past posts include police attaché in Spain, Trujillo public order chief, Madre de Dios macro-region head, Anti-Corruption Directorate director, and Police Aviation Directorate chief. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in November 2024.